City Employee Benefits Services

The Vendor is required to provide comprehensive brokerage and consulting services for the City's employee insurance benefits program.
- Provide a strategic partner to the City, providing guidance on benefits strategy, plan design, cost management, regulatory compliance, and industry best practices.
- Provide assist the City in evaluating and optimizing its benefits to ensure they remain competitive, cost-effective, and aligned with the City's goals and employee's needs.
- As of the 2026 benefits enrollment period, the City has approximately 275 benefit-eligible employees.
- The City is committed to maintaining a competitive, comprehensive benefits program that supports the health and well-being of its employees.
- Medical Insurance
•    United Healthcare PPO
•    United Healthcare HDHP
•    Kaiser Permanente HMO
•    Kaiser Permanente HDHP
- Dental
•    Provided through Dental Dental
- Vision
•    Provided through VSP
- Prescription
•    CVS Caremark (United plans only)
- HSA and FSA
•    Provided through Alerus
- COBRA
•    Provided through Alerus
- Employee Assistance Program (approximately all 500 City employees are eligible for EAP)
•    Provided through Triad
- Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, and Supplemental Benefits
•    Basic Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment and Dependent Life
o    The Standard
•    Voluntary Life
o    The Standard
•    Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
o    Unum
•    Accident and Critical Illness
o    Allstate
•    Legal and ID Theft Protection
o    Legal Shield & ID Shield
- Other Supplemental Benefits
•    Lantern
•    Teladoc
•    Healthcare Bluebook
•    Omada
•    Cancer Resource Services
•    Maternity Care Program
•    Wellness Apps
•    Via Benefits
•    Travel Assistance
- Plan Administration Support: Assist the City with the administration of all group insurance plans by responding to employee inquiries, preparing reports, providing total compensation statements, and offering ongoing consulting and support throughout the plan year.
- Regulatory Compliance & Industry Insight: Monitor and advise the City on new and pending legislative developments, regulatory requirements, and emerging trends affecting employee benefits and employer-sponsored plans.
- Claims Analysis & Optimization: Analyze claims experience and claims administration to evaluate plan performance, identify cost drivers, and recommend strategies to improve plan efficiency and value.
- Funding Strategy Recommendations: Evaluate and recommend cost-effective and sustainable funding strategies for the City's benefits program, including analysis of alternative funding arrangements when appropriate.
- Carrier Negotiations: Represent the City in negotiations with insurance carriers regarding premium rates, plan design, benefit structures, and other contractual terms to secure competitive and advantageous arrangements.
- Reporting & Stakeholder Communication: Provide regular reports and strategic updates to the Human Resources team on plan performance, market conditions, and program improvement recommendations.
- Program Implementation & Employee Communication: Assist with the implementation of new benefits programs or modifications to existing plans, including development of communication materials and participation in employee meetings and open enrollment events.
- RFP Preparation & Bid Evaluation: Upon request, prepare bid specifications and solicit proposals from qualified insurance carriers. Assist the City in evaluating proposals based on criteria including administrative capabilities, claims management, customer service, provider networks, financial stability, and overall value.
- COBRA Administration Support: Provide guidance and support related to COBRA administration to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and proper communication with eligible participants.
- Issue Resolution & Carrier Liaison: Serve as a liaison between the City and insurance carriers to assist in resolving issues related to claims, billing, eligibility, and general plan administration.